The US Defense Department is reportedly planning to send an additional 3,000 troops to the Middle East, escalating the American regime's military involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, these forces will be drawn from the 82nd Airborne Division, which is capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 24 hours. However, officials did not specify the exact location or timing of the deployment, leaving uncertainties about the immediate operational impact.
Iranian state media announced the arrest of 466 individuals accused of engaging in online activities that allegedly promote "propaganda in favor of the enemy." In a statement, Iranian police claimed these persons "sought to sow confusion in public opinion, create fear and anxiety in society, promote insecurity, and spread propaganda in favor of the enemy." This marks one of the largest security crackdowns since the war with the US and Israel began, highlighting the regime's internal pressures and suppression of dissent.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone call with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, called for peace talks to commence as soon as possible. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that Wang Yi emphasized "all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by using force." This diplomatic push came after US President Donald Trump purportedly claimed negotiations with Iran were underway, a statement Tehran has denied, underscoring the fragmented and contentious nature of international efforts.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry clarified that it is not mediating between the US and Iran but supports all diplomatic initiatives to end the war. Spokesperson Majid al-Ansari told journalists, "We are not involved in these talks. Our main concern and focus at present is on protecting our country and taking diplomatic steps to ensure that happens." He added that the destruction of Iran is not an option, reflecting the complex regional dynamics and Qatar's cautious stance amid deteriorating ties with Iran following attacks on its gas facilities.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency, citing high oil prices caused by the Middle East war as a threat to the country's energy security. Under this declaration, Marcos will lead a contingency committee to monitor and ensure the availability and orderly distribution of fuel, food, medicines, and other essential goods. Authorities were ordered to combat hoarding and profiteering, while the Department of Migrant Workers prepared for potential evacuations of Filipinos in the region, affecting over 2 million overseas workers.
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) increased jet fuel prices by 79%, bringing the total rise to 111% since the war's onset. BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed stated, "We had to adjust the jet fuel price for the second time this month, considering the international fuel price rate which has shot up." This surge disproportionately impacts migrant workers, who face higher travel costs to return home, exacerbating economic hardships in a country heavily reliant on remittances from Gulf states.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed readiness to "facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks" to end the US-Israel war with Iran. In a post on X, he wrote, "Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond." Pakistan's Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to diplomatic resolution but urged media to refrain from speculation, amid reports of potential US-Iran talks in Pakistan involving negotiators like Jared Kushner.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the Middle East situation with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for safe tanker transit. Modi stated on X that India "supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest," while the Indian government called for an all-party meeting to address the Iran war. Iran's effective closure of the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has heightened economic anxieties worldwide.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for immediate negotiations to end the Iran war, warning of a "critical situation" for global energy supplies. She told reporters, "We think that it is time to go to the negotiation table and to end the hostilities," condemning Iran's "de-facto closure" of the Strait of Hormuz without directly mentioning the US or Israel. The EU appears sidelined in a conflict with major ripple effects for Europe, contrasting with its role in brokering the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, from which the US regime under Trump withdrew.
Source: www.dw.com